Nearly 30 puppies have been rescued from Belfast harbor in a crackdown on the illegal puppy trade in the run-up to Christmas.
They were seized in the early hours of Thursday after discrepancies in paperwork were found.
They are now relocating.
The crackdown is the latest in a significant series of seizures of Northern Irish ports.
It was part of the Paws for Thought initiative, whereby dogs and pups traveling through ports are subject to welfare and transport checks before boarding.
The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said discrepancies in the paperwork provided by the carrier alerted its staff, working with Belfast Harbor Police and Belfast City Council.
A DAERA spokesperson said it has no tolerance for dog trafficking.
“At this time of year, the demand for a Christmas puppy is high, which fuels the trade of low welfare puppies through our ports to be sold at too high a price in Great Britain,” they said.
“Innocent animal lovers are often misled into believing these puppies come from a reputable breeder.
“Very often puppies that are trafficked come from illegal breeding operations known as ‘puppy farms’ where they are bred in appalling conditions.
“We have no tolerance for this type of activity – reputable breeders will be able to prove origin and destination and have all their paperwork in order.
“The department, with the support of partner agencies including the Belfast Harbor Police and Belfast City Council, is leading the fight to stamp out this abhorrent trade. The rescue of these 29 pups demonstrates the effectiveness of the multi-agency approach in addressing those involved.
“We would also like to thank our portal staff for their dedication and prompt action on this matter.”
The Paws for Thought Group added: “We want to reiterate our message that people should think long and hard before deciding to get an animal this Christmas.
Prospective dog owners should consult the guidelines available online before considering getting a puppy. If you must purchase a puppy, only use a licensed breeder.
“While the enforcement activities of law enforcement agencies are critical in detecting and deterring the illegal trade in low-welfare pups, the public’s help is essential to combat this abhorrent trade.
“Anyone who comes across anything suspicious, or has information about people who may be involved in the illegal breeding and sale of puppies, can report their concerns to the Department, Port Police, municipalities or the PSNIor by emailing: [email protected].”